Paper toweling



Dec. 3, 1935. M HARVEY 2,023,357

PAPER TOWELING Filed July l0, 1935 ffl? HHH/Z l Patented Dec. 3, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE L.. W. au..

Application July l0, 1935, Serial No. 30,752 mm (Cl. 281-4) This invention relates to Jtoweling and relates particularly to paper toweling for .use in towel dispensing and vending devices such as used in public buildings, wash rooms, omces and like situations.

The present invention is concerned primarily with absorbent paper or paper toweling to be vended or dispensed from towel vending and dispensing machines. Absorbent paper or paper toweling has gone into extensive use and is a manufacture characterized by its composition, rough texture, pliability and`its highly absorbent qualities. Because of these characteristics paper manufacturers, dealers, etc. recognize paper toweling as a product entirely distinct from paper and particularly from such papers and paper products as cardboards, tag boards, glazed paper, smooth finished paper, etc. be understood that when I refer herein to absorbent paper and paper toweling I refer to that type of paper product or fibrous absorbent material intended for and used as toweling, as distinguished from cardboard, tag board, glazed paper, smooth unabsorbent paper and other paper products.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide absorbent paper or paper toweling adapted to supply or adapted to be dispensed from vending and dispensing devices whichare controlled or partially controlled through their cooperation with the toweling. A towel dispensing device of the general character for which the toweling of the present invention is intended for use is fully set forth and claimed in my copending application entitled Towel cabinet, Serial No. 746,985, filed October 5, 1934.

Another object of this invention is to provide paper toweling that may be supplied Ato or arranged in dispensing devices of the character referred to in a continuous supply or uninterrupted strip in the form of a roll or folded pack.

Another object of this invention is to provide absorbent paper or paper toweling that is provided with weakened penetrable areas or zones produced by the forming of a series of adjacent cuts or slits, said areas or zones cooperating with or being penetrated by a part or parts of the dispensing device to control or inuence the withdrawal or feeding of the toweling from the device,

the spacing or relative disposition of the weaki ened penetrable zones determining the length of the toweling or the amount of the toweling receivable by the user at each operation of the dispensing apparatus.

Another object of this invention is to provide Accordingly, it is to y paper toweling of the character mentioned in which the weakened penetrable zones are produced orI formed by series or pluralities of spaced adjacent cuts orv slits so that none of the absorbent paper or toweling is lost and the full absorb- 5 i ent area is retained.

Another object of this invention is to provide paperr toweling of the character mentioned that is very simple and inexpensive of manufacture. The paper toweling of this invention is particular- 10 ly inexpensive to manufacture or condition for use in dispensing devices of the character rexerred to above as the spaced series of cuts or slits forming the weakened penetrable zones for cooperating with or for penetration by parts of the 15 dispensing device are easily and inexpensively made by running the toweling through or on rolls or the like having knives for forming the cuts or slits and are thus much easier to form than clear openings which necessitate the provision of ex- 20 pensive dies and means for removing the material cut out by the dies.

Another object of this invention is to provide paper toweling of the character mentioned that is weakened at longitudinally spaced transverse 25 lines definitely related to the weakened penetrable areas or zones and dividing the toweling strip into individual towels that are readily parted or detached from the main body of the strip of toweling as permitted by the control mechanism '30 of the dispensing apparatus, such parting or detaching of the individual towels being facilitated by the lines of weakening so that there is little or no wrinkling, buckling or longitudinal tearing of the removed towels or the remaining main body J5 of the toweling supply.

A further object of this invention is to provide paper toweling of the character mentioned that is very economical as its removal from the vending or` dispensing apparatus is definitely con- 40 trolled or limited by the cooperation of the control part or parts with its weakened penetrable zones.

` The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following 45 detailed description of typical preferred forms and applications of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the toweling pro- 50 vided by this invention in the forin of a spirally wound roll. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of a substantially rectangular stack of a continuous strip of the toweling having portions folded one upon the other to constitute a compact unit or stack.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary face elevation of one form of the invention and Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 illustrating another form ofthe toweling.

The absorbent paper or toweling of the present invention has a wide range of use or application and may be formed or provided for use in towel vending and dispensing machines of various types for use in various situations. Throughout the following disclosure I will de scribe two typical forms of the invention vand two modes or manners of supplying or providing the toweling in compact continuous supplies or strips for ready feeding or removal from such vending and dispensing machines. It is to be understood that the present invention is4 not to be construed as limited or restricted to the specific forms about to be described or-the specific manners of providing or supplying the toweling.

The toweling of this invention is preferably in the nature of a continuous elongate sheet or strip of absorbent. fibrous material or paper. Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawing illustrate two typical manners of supplying or providing the continuous strips of toweling for convenient shipment, handling and dispensing, it being understood that the two forms or embodiments of the invention hereinafter described may be supplied in either of these convenient forms or similar or equivalent forms. In Fig. l of the drawing the continuous length or strip of toweling T is spirally wound to form a compact roll R. The toweling T is preferably wound so that its opposite longitudinal edges are in parallel planes providing the supply roll R with substantially flat parallel ends. In practice the toweling T is wrapped or wound into the roll R under a suitable tension so that it does not become wrinkled or distorted when being unwound or unreeled for use. It may be preferred to wrap or wind the toweling T of the roll R on a suitable spool S to facilitate the mounting or supporting of the roll in the vending or dispensing device. It is believed that it will be apparent how the toweling T may be easily and readily reeled oft' or unwound from the supply roll R for use or dispensing. l

As shown in Fig. 2 of the drawing, the continuous elongate sheet or strip of toweling T is in the form of a compactly folded pack. The toweling T is folded back and forth upon itself in a zig-zag manner so that the pack A is regular and substantially rectangular having substantially flat sldes disposed at substantially right angles to one another. The portions or sections of the toweling T folded upon themselves into the stack A are of substantially uniform length and are adapted to be successively removed or unfolded from the ends of the stack. It will be apparent how the toweling T may be easily removed from either end of the supply stack without disturbing or distorting the stack.

The form or embodiment of the present inventlon illustrated in Fig. 3 of the drawing comprises a single continuous strip or body I0. The strip or body III is formed of absorbent brous material or paper of the class known as paper toweling. The material of the body III is comparatively soft and pliable and has sufiicient strength so that it does not tear or part without the application of. an appreciable strain. The texture and composition of the fibrous material constituting the body I0 are such that it is very absorbent. In practice the paper or material of the body I0 is preferably rough textured or creped.

The body I0 of absorbent material is preferably of uniform width throughout its length, having straight parallel edges II. It is an important feature of the present invention that the strip or body I0 is provided with spaced weakened penetrable areas or zones Z. The weakened penetrable areas or zones Z are spaced apart longitudinally of the elongate body I0. The weakened penetrable zones Z are preferably, though not necessarily, equally spaced longitudinally of the body I0, the longitudinal disposition or spacing of the zones Z determining the amount or length of the toweling that may be detached from the body I 0 at each operation of the dispensing device. The longitudinal spacing of the penetrable zones Z is preferably regular or uniform so that the control mechanism ofthe dispensing device is governed or inuenced by its cooperation with the zones Z to permit the feeding or withdrawal of towels of uniform length. The weakened penetrable areas or zones Z are preferably provided in one or more longitudinal series, that is, the zones Z are prefer-r ably provided in one or more rows of aligned zones Z extending longitudinally of the body IU. 'Ihe row or rows of the penetrable zones Z are parallel with the edges II of the body IIJ. In the simple form of the invention illustrated there is a single longitudinal row ofspaced penetrable zones Z relatively close to one body edge II, it being understood that the number of rows and the transverse disposition of the rows or series of Zones Z depends on the number and location of the cooperating-or penetrating control parts of the vending or dispensing apparatus from which the toweling is to be dispensed. When arranged in a single longitudinal row the areas or zones Z may be penetrated by or cooperated 40 with by a common or single part of the control mechanism thus making for the simplicity of the dispensing apparatus.

The character of the weakened penetrable areas or zones Z is a feature of the invention. The 45 areas or zones Z are provided by making series or pluralities of spaced slits or cuts I2 in the paper body I0. The cuts or slits I2 are relatively close together and are, of course, within the bounds of the zones Z as they themselves weaken 50 the toweling and make it penetrable. The cuts or slits I2 may be parallel and equally spaced as illustrated. The cuts or slits I2 preferably extend longitudinally of the body I0 in which case they may be readily formed by knives or cutters on a roll or the like, thus making for the simple economical manufacture of the toweling. It is to be noted that the provision of.the zones Z, or more properly the forming or cutting of the slits I2, does not remove any of the paper or absorbent material of the body I0 and, therefore, does not lessen the amount of salable towel or toweling or the amount of toweling made available to the users of the vending or dispensing machines.

The form of the invention or toweling shown in Fig. 3 of the drawing is intended primarily for use in a vending or dispensing device in which the user parts or tears free the projected or withdrawn length of toweling without cutting the toweling and without operating the device to cut the toweling. The body I0 of absorbent paper is weakened along longitudinally spaced transverse lines L so that the portions or lengths of toweling withdrawn or fed from the vending oi dispensing device may be readily .parted or torn free from the main body of toweling remaining in the cabinet. 'I'he transverse lines L of weakening divide the strip or body I into a plurality of ,readily separable parts constituting individual towels B which may be readily separated or parted from the body I0y as they are successively fed or withdrawn from the vending or dispensing device. In practice the lines L of weakening take the form of perforatio-ns in the nature of elongate slits or cuts I3. The cuts I3 of each row or line L are aligned transversely of the body I0 and may be comparatively long so that their aggregate length constitutes a substantial or a major portion of the width of the body I0. The outermost cuts I3 of the lines of weakening L are preferably spaced inwardly from the edges II of the body so that the toweling of the body I0 has no tendency to prematurely tear at the lines L when being fed or drawn through the vending or dispensing device.

The lines of weakening L are spaced and related to the weakened penetrable zones Z so that there is a zone Z between two lines L, that is, in each towel B defined by the lines L. In the preferred form of the invention the rows of perforations or cuts I3 comprising the lines L bear definite relationships to the zones Z. Itispreferred to provide one line L-of weakening adjacent each zone Z. As illustrated in the drawing, the lines L of weakening adjacent the zones Z are spaced av relatively short distance outwardly from or in advance of the zones Z rela- .tiveV to the direction of feeding or withdrawal of the body IIl, it being understood that the', lspecific disposition of the lines of weakening L relative to the penetrable zones Z depends upon the character of the dispensing device or the type of the dispensing device in which the towel- V ing is to be used. If desired or found necessary the slits or cuts I3 adjacent or substantially aligned with the zones Z may be spaced a substantial distance apart as illustrated,A to leave imperforate or continuous lareas I 4 of toweling aligned with the zones Z so that the control fingery or part of the dispensing device for co- `foperating with the zones I"Z cannot engage or enter the cuts I3. The form of toweling T illustrated in Fig. 4

of the drawing is adapted to be dispensed from a.

. vending or dispensing machine having a cuthave transverse lines of weakening similar to the lines L. The toweling shown in Fig. 4 comprises a single continuous elongate sheet or body IIIa of absorbent paper or paper toweling having a longitudinal row or series `of spaced weakened penetrable zones Z1. The zones Z1 are formed or produced by making-a, series or multiplicity of adjacent parallel cuts or slits |211. TheI slits I2a are similar to the slits I2 extending longitudinally with -relation to the longitudinal dimension of the elongate body -II)*'-.v In the particular case illustrated in the drawings the rowy of zones Z1 has the same relative disposition on the .body IIIa as the ro/w of zones Z, it being understoodthat the zones Z1 may be otherwiselocated transversely on the body IIIa to cooperate with or receive the control part of a dispensing or-vending machine. In use the improved toweling of the present invention may be supplied to or arranged in a vending or dispensing machine and may be provided either in the form of a roll R or a stack A 5 depending upon the character of the vending or dispensing device. In vending and dispensing devices of the character referred to the toweling is trained and engaged so that operation of the device by auser either results in the feeding of a length of toweling from the cabinet or the withdrawal of a length of the toweling by the user. Further dispensing and vending devices of the character referred to have control parts or a control part adapted to cooperate with the toweling or more properly adapted to cooperate with the weakened penetrable zones Z of the toweling body I0. The control mechanism of the apparatus or machine is such that the cooperation of the control part with a zone Z or the penetration of a zone Z by the control part governs or influences the control mechanism to limit or stop the withdrawal or outward feeding of the toweling as the case may be. In other words, when a definite length or amount of the body I0 of toweling has 25 been fed or withdrawn from the dispensing .device the control part of the device cooperates with or penetrates a zone Z in the toweling body II! and this cooperation or vpenetration influences the mechanism to stop the feeding or withdrawing of the toweling. It will be apparent how the adjacent parallel cuts or slits I2 of a zone Z permit a control part of the device to penetrate or pass through the body I0. In practice the control mechanism is such that the penetration of its control part of a zone Z results in stopping of the toweling body I0 in a position where a line of weakening L is adjacent or slightly within the opening through which the toweling is discharged. Accordingly, following the stopping of the toweling body I0 as just described, the user may readily way reduce the amount of absorbent material in the towel and do not affect the absorbentoualities of the towel. The cooperation' of the control part of the vending or dispensing device with the zone Z definitely governs the withdrawal or feed- .ing ofthe toweling and the relationship of the l lines Lof weakening with the 4zone Z insures the easy detachment or freeing of the complete towels B at the successive operations ofthe apparatus. The form of toweling illustrated in Fig. l4 is* adapted to be handled or dispensed in the same manner as the toweling illustrated in Fig. 3 of the drawing except that the device in which it is used has .a cutter or cutting'means forlcutting free or yfacilitating the cutting free of the portions of the body IIli1 withdrawn from the device. 65 Having described'only typical preferred forms and applications of my invention; do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in'the artor fall within the scope of the following claims. g

' Having described my invention, I claim: c f 1. Toweling for use in a dispensing machine having a control member, said toweling comprising a continuous elongate sheet of iibrous material, said sheet having longitudinally spaced weakened zones penetrable by said member.

2. Toweling for use in a dispensing machine having a control member, said toweling comprising a continuous elongate sheet of brous absorbent material, the 'elongate sheet being weakened along lines transverse of its length and spaced apart longitudinally of its length to divide the sheet into readily separable individual towels, there being a weakened zone in each towel penetrable by said member.

3. Toweling for use in a dispensing device having a control member, the toweling comprising a continuous elongate strip of absorbent paper toweling weakened by spaced cuts along lines transverse of the strip to form a plurality oi.' readily separable individual towels, there being a plurality of adjacent cuts in` each individual towel in a definite position in the towel relative to one of the weakened lines defining the towel, the plurality of adjacent cuts rendering a zone in each towel readily penetrable by said member.

4. Toweling for use in a dispensing device having a control member, the toweling comprising a continuous elongate strip of absorbent paper toweling weakened along lines transverse of the strip and spaced longitudinally of the strip to divide the strip into a plurality of individual towels, each towel having a plurality of adjacent cuts rendering a limited zone thereof penetrable by said member.

5. Toweling for use in a dispensing device having a control member, the toweling comprising a continuous elongate strip of absorbent paper toweling weakened along lines transverse of the strip and spaced apart longitudinally of the strip dividing the stnp into a plurality of readily separable individual towels, each towel having a weakened zone adjacent its leading edge adapted to cooperate with the said member.

6. Toweling for use in a dispensing device having a control member. the toweling comprising a continuous elongate strip of absorbent paper toweling weakened along lines transverse of the strip and spaced apart longitudinally of the strip dividing the strip into a plurality of readily separable individual towels, each towel having a plurality of spaced slits rendering a limited zone thereof penetrable for cooperation with the said member, the said zones being aligned longitudinally of the strip.

7. Toweling for. use in a dispensing device having a control member, the toweling comprising a continuous elongate strip of absorbent paper toweling weakened along lines transverse of the strip and spaced apart longitudinally of the strip dividing the strip into a plurality of readily separable individual towels, each towel having a pl'urality of spaced slits rendering a limited zone thereof penetrable for cooperation with the said member, the said slits extending longitudinally of the-strip.

8. Toweling for use in a dispensing device having a control member, the toweling comprising a continuous elongate strip of paper toweling weakened along lines transverse of the strip and spaced apart longitudinally of the strip dividing the strip into a plurality of readily separable individual towels, each towel having a slit rendering a limited zone thereof penetrable for cooperation with the said member. y

9. Toweling for use in a dispensing machine having a control member, said toweling compriing a continuous elongatev sheet of fibrous absorbent material, said sheet having longitudinally 35 spaced groups of adjacent slits rendering longitudinally spaced zones penetrable for cooperation with the member, said zones being aligned longitudinally of the sheet, and said slits extending longitudinally of the sheet.

LEO M. HARVEY. 

